Page 61 - Rural Tourism Report Washington County

CHAPTER 3: THE WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM SECTOR

Rural Tourism Challenges, Opportunities, and Trends in the State of Oregon and
Washington County

Perceived Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Tourism in Washington County
The summary of challenges and opportunities below was consolidated by the consulting team and based on
qualitative data and perceptions gathered through interviews and focus groups with 20 Washington County
rural tourism operators, residential neighbors to rural tourism operations, and public institutions. More detail

of responses from the interviews and focus groups may be viewed on page 65.

Table 3.4: Perceived Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Tourism in Washington County

Challenges Opportunities
How to expand rural tourism while 1) Carefully accommodate expansion of rural tourism in ways that
protecting prime farmland and farm will be compatible with long-term conservation of prime agricultural
operations. lands in accordance with Oregon land use laws.
The demand to expand rural tourism 2) Form and manage a rural tourism stakeholder advisory group to
attractions may put pressure on farm facilitate good relationships and open communications and help create
districts (Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) and action plans.
Agriculture and Forestry (AF-20)) to 3) Participate in/monitor the development of state laws that pertain
accommodate more attractions and may to commercial use of farmland, to ensure that farms of all sizes have
undermine the purpose of these districts. opportunities to diversify with agritourism.
The needs of some rural tourism activities 1) Keep open communications with farming neighbors and work
and events (timing of use, noise and dust together on timing and scope of management practices.
at attractions, accommodation of traffic 2) Develop and deliver a “Good Neighbor Relations” educational
and parking) can have negative impacts program for rural tourism providers. Use or adapt the curriculum
on farm and residential neighbors. of existing programs, such as the one from Oregon Department
of Agriculture. Work with OSU Extension Service to deliver an
educational program.
Lack of clarity on how to accommodate The County could consider whether there is a way to bring such uses
agritourism attractions that appear to be into compliance through education or by “grandfathering” them as
operating without the benefit of accepted historic uses, within the limitations set by state law. Some uses may
farm use exemptions or land use permits. be considered “nonconforming” and may be allowed because they
were legally established before restrictions applied. However, it is
recognized that the County cannot override state law requirements.
Washington County does not have Policy support for rural tourism is a key component of successful
a specific economic development rural tourism strategies. The Board of County Commissioners
department/staff to advocate for rural could designate a rural tourism liaison to facilitate rural tourism
tourism and its economic benefits. development.
Some rural areas are not covered by Consider developing a policy to make these services part of a broader
internet or cell telephone service, making Washington County rural tourism strategy.
it difficult for visitors to locate rural
tourism destinations while traveling.

WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL TOURISM STUDY 57